Automatic oven unloader



March 31, 1953 H. E. TEMPLE ET AL.

AUTOMATIC OVEN UNLOADER hWFP/JI M56 5/ Filed Sept. 17, 1948 March 31, 1953 H. E. TEMPLE ET AL AUTOMATIC OVEN UNLOADER' l0 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 17, 1948 March 31, 1953 H. E. TEMPLE ET AL AUTOMATIC OVEN UNLOADER Filed Sept. 17, 1948 10 Sheets-Sheet I5 Nea m rmy \w e k ww w i March 31, 1953 H. E. TEMPLE ET AL AUTOMATIC OVEN UNLOADER l0 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Sept. 17, 1948 March 31, 1953 H. E. TEMPLE ET AL AUTOMATIC OVEN UNLOADER l0 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Sept. 17, 1948 March 31, 1953 H. E. TEMPLE ET AL 2,633,258

AUTOMATIC OVEN UNLOADER Filed Sept. 17, 1948 l0 Sheets-Sheet 6 Br 7mm? nrromvens "QM. M.

March 31, 1953 H. E. TEMPLE ET AL AUTOMATIC OVEN UNLOADER l0 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed Sept. 17, 1948 m iv ma 0% m 3%, 7? 5 4M u mw 0 E March 31, 1953 H. E. TEMPLE" ET AL AUTOMATIC OVEN UNLOADER .w w a 0 e 76 N m 7528 N T 0 f w 65;? w v 5 J N N 6;, w w s 5 6 u E W W Filed Sept. 17, 1948 March 31, 1953 H. E. TEMPLE ET AL AUTOMATIC OVEN UNLOADER 10 ShetS-Sheet 9 Filed Sept. 1'7, 1948 NNN March 31, 1953 H. E. TEMPLE ET AL 2,633,258

AUTOMATIC OVEN UNLOADER Filed Sept. 17, 1948 I 10 Sheets-Sheet 10 N V EN TORS. Hiram 72977 2776 Bay'earge Z Trerzez? Patented Mar. 31, 1953 AUTOMATIC OVEN UNLOADER Hiram E. Temple,

Tench, South Pasaden mesne assignments, to

Los Angeles, and George E. a, Calif., assignors, by Baker Perkins, Inc., New

York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application September 17, 1948, Serial No. 49,764

Our invention relates in general to an apparatus for dumping the contents of containers and, since it has particular utility when embodied in apparatus for removing loaves of bread from the pans in which they are baked, we prefer to consider such embodiments herein for convenience However, it will be understood that the utility of the invention is independent of the particular field of application selected for consideration herein.

A primary object of our invention is to provide an automatic oven unloader which, at most, requires only the occasional supervision of one man so that this man may supervise the operation of several unloaders. Thus, substantial reductions in labor costs may be attained, which is an important feature of the invention.

An important object of our invention is to provide at the dumping station a rotatable dumping structure which receives the pan straps from the unloader conveyor as the gate at the outlet end of the unloader conveyor opens to release the straps, and which dumps loaves of bread from the pans and subsequently delivers the empty pan straps to the strap conveyor.

More specifically, an object is to provide a dumping structure which is rotatable in one direction from a loading position wherein it receives the pan straps to a first dumping position wherein it dumps the loaves of bread from the pan, and which is subsequently rotatable in the opposite direction from the first dumping position through the loading position to a second dumping position wherein it dumps the pan straps onto the strap conveyor.

An important object is to provide a dumping structure of the foregoing character which is inclined downwardly when it is in its second dumping position so that the pan straps may slide therefrom onto the strap conveyor.

Another object is to provide means carried by the rotatable dumping structure for holding the pan straps while the loaves of bread are being dumped and to provide means for causing the holding means to release the pan straps as the dumping structure rotates toward its second dumping position so as to permit the straps to slide onto the strap conveyor.

: Another object is to provide delaying means for causing the dumping structure to remain in its second dumping position for a length of time sufficient to permit the pan straps to slide therefrom onto the strap conveyor.

I An important object is to provide an unloader having stop means in the path of the dumping 18 Claims. (Cl. 214308) structure for decelerating such structureto rest substantially instantaneously as it reaches its first dumping position so as to loosen the loaves of bread from the pans and to cause them to fall therefrom into a suitable receiver.

Another object is to provide resilient means for causing the dumping structure to strike the stop means sharply so as to loosen the loaves of bread. A related object is to provide an apparatus wherein the dumping structure is driven through a clutch which is disengaged as this structure approaches its first dumping position to permit the aforementioned resilient means to cause the dumping structure to strike the stop means.

Still another object in this connection'is to provide adjustable means for varying the point at which the aforementioned clutch is disengaged to vary the distance through which the dumping structure is rotated by the resilient means before striking the stop means, whereby to vary the degree of impact as the dumping structure strikes the stop means.

Another object is to provide an unloading apparatus wherein the aforementioned strap holding means includes a plurality of gripping elements which are adapted to engage the fluted or ribbed strap members encircling the straps of pans.

An important object of our invention is to provide resilient means for collectively urging the gripping elements into engagement with the pan straps and to provide additional resilient means for individually urging the gripping elements into engagement therewith. With this construction, the first resilient means mentioned in the precedin sentence accommodates pan straps of different lengths, and the second resilient means mentioned compensates for irregularitieasuch as dents, for example, in the pan straps, which is an important feature of the invention.

Another object is to provide an unloading ap paratus wherein the loaves of bread are in generally inverted positions when they are dumped from the pans and to provide means disposed between the dumping structure and the receiver for the loaves of bread for causing the loaves to rotate about transverse axes thereof into substantially upright positions as they fall into the receiver.

Another object is to provide means for straightening the loaves of bread in the receiver and for moving them into contact with each other.

I Another object is to provide the receiver for the loaves of bread with a normally closed gate and to provide means controlled by the cooling conveyor for opening this gate when the cooling conveyor is in the proper position to receive the loaves of bread.

Another object of the invention is to provide an electrical control system for the unloading apparatus which automatically causes the various events in its operating cycle to occur in their proper sequence.

Another object is to provide an electrical control system which, although it normally provides automatic control, may be adjusted to provide at least partial manual control if desired. For example, manual control may be desirable in the event that the apparatus is employed to unload pullman pans, i. e., pans having removable covers, from an oven to allow time for manual removal of the covers.

The foregoing objects and advantages of our invention, together with various other objects and advantages thereof which will become apparent, may be attained through the employment ofthe exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described detail hereinafter. Referring to the drawings:

Fig. l is a semi-diagrammatic, perspective view showing the general structure of an oven unloading apparatus which embodies our invention and illustrating the general operation thereof, one embodiment of a cooling conveyor for the apparatus being illustrated in this view;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the unloading apparatus;

Fig. 3 is a front elevational view of the unloading apparatus;

Fig. 4 is a side elevational view of the apparatus taken from the left;

Fig. 5 is a side elevational view of the apparatus taken from the right;

Fig. 6 is a transverse sectional view taken along the broken lines 6-6 of Figs. 4 and 5 in the direction of the arrows intersecting such lines;

Fig. '1 is an enlarged, fragmentary sectional view taken approximately along the irregular broken line 1-1 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary sectional View taken along the irregular broken line 8-8 of Fig. '7;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged plan view of a rotary dumping structure which forms part of our unloading apparatus;

Fig. 10 is an enlarged sectional view taken in the direction of the arrows intersecting the broken line IO-IO of Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a further enlarged sectional view taken in the direction of the arrows intersecting the broken line II-II of Fig. 9;

Fig. 12 is an enlarged, fragmentary side elevational view duplicating a portion of Fig. 5 and illustrating in more detail a clutch through which the rotary dumping structure is driven;

Figs. 13 and 14 are enlarged, fragmentary views taken in the directions indicated by the arrows I3-I3 and I l -I4, respectively, of Fig. 12; and

Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating an electrical control system for our unloading apparatus.

In large commercial bakeries, loaves of bread 2% are conventionally baked in pans of the type shown at 25. For convenience in handling, groups of 25 are encircled and held together by strap members 28 and these groups are commonly known as pan straps. The pan straps are here designated generally by the numeral 21 and each pan strap here shown consists of four pans each.

In operation, a continuous succession of pan straps 21 each containing baked loaves of bread 26 are discharged from an oven 20 onto a polygonal conveyer drum 24 which delivers them to a roller conveyer 31. The latter carries the pan straps 21 to a dumping station 38 where a mechanism 5i embodying the instant invention dumps the bread from the pans and delivers them to a receiver 52 having a gate 55 which opens at the proper moment in the operating cycle and permits the loaves of bread to slide onto an endless conveyer 33. The bread is then carried away by the conveyer for cooling. The emptied pans are desposited automatically on another conveyer 32 which carries them away for storage or refilling.

The roller conveyer 31 preferably is equipped with slow rollers 43 which receive the pan straps 21 from the conveyer drum 24 and fast rollers 45 which accelerate the pan straps to increase the spacing therebetween preparatory to deliver to the unloading apparatus of this invention.

Movement of the pan straps. 21'to the dumping station 38 is controlled by a gate 50 of any suitable or conventional construction, and the gate is operated in any suitable manner in synchronism with the dumping mechanism so that the pan straps are delivered to the dumping mechanism at properly spaced intervals when the mechanism is positioned to receive them.

The pan strap gate 50 As best shown in Fig. l of the drawings, the gate 58 for intercepting the pan straps 21 as they arrive at the outlet end of the unloader conveyor 31 normally extends upwardly between the last two fast rollers 55. the gate being movable downwardly into a retracted position to permit passage of the pan straps at the proper moment. As best shown in Fig. '7 of the drawings, the gate 5%] is carried by a transverse rod I40 which, in turn, is carried by arms IM only one of which is visible in Fig. '1. The arms l iI are rigidly connected to a rotatable shaft 52 which extends transversely of the unloader.

Rigidly connected to the shaft I42 is an arm I63 which carries a cam follower I44, the latter engaging a cam I55 which normally holds the gate 50 in its extended position through the cam follower I44, the arm I 33, the shaft I52, the arms MI and the rod I50. The cam I45 is connected to a single revolution clutch hi6 which is normal- 1y held disengaged by a pivoted catch I41. The single revolution clutch I66, which is of conventional construction and need not be described in detail, is driven by a gear I48 which is meshed with one of the gears interconnecting the fast rollers 45, as shown in Fig. 7 of the drawings. Connected to the pivoted catch M1 is a solenoid I5ll which, when energized, swings the catch upwardly to permit engagement of the single revolution clutch I46, the manner in which the solenoid I50 is energized being discussedin more detail hereinafter.

Upon engagement of the single revolution clutch I45, the cam I45 is rotated in the clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. '7 of the drawings, and permits the cam follower I44 to move upwardly into the position shown in phantom, thereby permitting the structure consisting of the arm M3, the shaft I42, the arms Ml, the rod I40 and the gate 50 to rotate in the clockwise direction about the axis of the shaft I42 into the position shown in phantom in Fig. 7 so as to lower the gate 50 out of the path of pan straps on the unloader conveyor 31. The cam I45 is provided with an inwardly extending portion I5I which permits such upward movement of the cam follower I 14 as the cam is rotated. The cam I45 is also provided with an outwardly extending portion I52 which is adapted to engage the cam follower I44 as the cam continues to rotate to return the gate 50 to its extended position after a. line of pan straps 21 has moved therepast to the dumping station 38.

Considering the manner in which the solenoid I50 is energized to engage the single revolution clutch I 56, connected in series with the solenoid is a switch I53 which is adapted to he closed by an arm I54 on the rod I40 carrying the gate 50 whenever a force of predetermined magnitude is applied to the gate 50 by pan straps 21 bearing thereag'ainst' For example, in an unloader designed to handle four pan straps abreast, it is preferable that at least three pan straps bear against the gate 50 before the arm I54 will be deflected enough to close the switch I53. As will be discussed in more detail hereinafter, provided that other switches in series with the solenoid I56 are closed, closure of the switch I53 results in energization of the solenoid I50 to release the single revolution clutch I46, whereupon it rotates the cam I35 to permit the gate 50 to drop into its retracted position to permit passage of the pan straps bearing thereagainst to the dumping station 38. I As shown in Fig. 7 of the drawings, an arm I56 is rigidly connected to the single revolution clutch I36 so as to be rotatable therewith and is adapted to actuate a switch I 51 as the clutch I46 completes its single revolution. The function of the switch I51 will be discussed in more detail hereinafter.

As indicated in Fig. 7 of the drawings, as the center of gravity of each pan strap 21 moves past the center of the last of the fast rollers 45, the forward end thereof drops so that the gate 50 may be raised to intercept an oncoming pan strap before the preceding strap has moved completely off the unloader conveyor 31. This insures that two pan straps in series will not be delivered to the dumping station 30, which is a feature of our invention.

The dumping structure 51 In general, the dumping structure '5I comprises a platform or table I60 which is carried by a horizontal shaft I6I, the latter, as best shown in Fig. 3 of the drawings, extending transversely of the unloader conveyor 31 and being journalled in suitable bearings connected to the frame 6I of the conveyor. As best shown in Figs. 3 and 4 of the drawings, a gear I62 is fixed on one end of the shaft I6I and is meshed with a gear I63 which is driven from a pulley I64 through gearing (not shown) contained in a gear box I65. Aligned with the pulley I64 is a pulley I66 which drives the pulley I63 through a belt I61, the pulley I66 being mounted on the shaft of a reversible electric motor I68.

At the proper moment in the operating cycle of the unloader apparatus, the reversible motor I68 first rotates the dumping structure 5I from its loading position to its first dumping position 5|, then rotates the dumping structure from its first dumping position through its loading position to its second dumping position 5I and thereafter returns the dumping structure from its second dumping position to its loading position to complete the operating cycle thereof.

When the dumping structure 5| is in its leading position, the table I60 thereof is inclined upwardly toward the outlet end of the unloader conveyor 31, as best shown in Fig. 5 of the drawings, so that a line of pan straps 21 released by retraction of the gate 50 may slide onto the table from the unloader conveyor. As best shown in Fig. 11 of the drawings, when the dumping structure 5! is in its first dumping position 5I', the table I60 is inclined upwardly and is generally inverted to permit the loaves of bread to fall from the pans held on the table by the holding means 53. When the dumping structure 5I is in its second dumping position 5|, the table I60 is inclined downwardly toward the strap conveyor 32, as best shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings, to permit the empty pan straps to slide from the table onto the strap conveyor, the holding means 53 being adapted to release the pan straps as the dumping structure rotates toward its second dumping position as will be discussed in more detail hereinafter.

The operation of the reversible motor I68 driving the dumping structure 5| is regulated by switches in the electrical control system of the unloading apparatus 2I, some of these switches being shown in Fig. 4 of the drawings. Referring thereto, connected to the shaft I6I carrying the table I60 is a cam I1I which is adapted to operate switches I 12 and I13, the cam having radial shoulders I15 and I16 which are adapted to operate the switch I12 as the cam rotates, and having a radial projection I11 which is adapted to operate the switch I13 as the cam rotates. The switch I12 is a reversing switch which is actuable by the shoulder I15 on the cam I'II to reverse the direction of rotation of the dumping motor I 68 when the dumping structure 5I reaches its first dumping position 5I so that the motor will reverse the direction of rotation of the dumping structure to rotate it from its first dumping position through its loading position to its second dumping position I 5|". When the dumping structure 5I reaches its second dumping position, the shoulder I16 on the cam I1I actuates the reversing switch I12 to again reverse the direction of rotation of the motor I68, whereupon the latter reverses the direction of rotation of the dumping structure and returns it from its second dumping position to its loading position.

The radial projection I11 is adapted to actuate the switch I13 through a spring loaded cruciform member I18 which is pivoted at I19, the member I18 having an arm I 8| which is adapted to actuate the switch I13. As the dumping'structure rotates toward its second dumping position 5I", the radial projection I11 on the cam I1I moves past and disengages the cruciform member I18. Subsequently, as the dumping structure 5| is returned from its second dumping position 5I" to its loading position, the cam I1I is rotated in the clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 4 of the drawings, and the radial projection. I 11 thereon engages the cruciform member I18 to cause the arm I8I thereof to actuate the switch I13, the latter being a limit switch which stops the motor I68 as the dumping structure is returned to its loading position. In causing the cruciform member I18 to actuate the limit switch I13, the radial projection I11 on the cam I1I moves past the cruciform member into the position shown in Fig. 4 of the drawings and disengages same.

The operation of the various switches control 7., ling the reversible electric-motor I68 willbe considered in vmore detail hereinafter in connection with a discussion of the electrical control systemof the unloading apparatus 2I.

The dumping structure BI is biased toward its first dumping :position 5! by a balancing spring I85 as best shown .in Fig. 5 of the drawings. Connected to one end of the balancing spring is a chain I86 which is trained over an idling sprocket 181 and which is trained around and anchored to a sprocket I88, the latter being rigidly connected to and rotatable with the table I60 of the dumping'structure. Connected to the opposite end of the balancing spring I85 is an adjusting rod I89 for varying the tension in the balancing spring and, as a result, the biasing force appliedto the table 160 through the chain I80 and the sprocket I88. It will beapparent that since the spring I35 biases the dumping structure 5| toward its first dumping position 5!, it acts as a balancing means to compensate for the weight of a line of pan straps 2'5 on the table I38 when the durnping structure is in its loading position so as to reduce the power required of the reversible motor its when the latter rotates the dumping structure toward its first'dumping position, which is a feature of the invention. The balancing spring I35 also performs another important function which will be discussed in detail hereinafter.

The strap holding means 53 Referring particularly to Fig. 11 of the drawings, the holding means 53 comprises a fixed gripping structure ISI which is adapted to engage the forward end of a pan strap 21 on the table 269 of the dumping structure 5i, and comprises a rotatable gripping structure i92 which is adapted to engage the rearward end of the pan strap, the gripping structure I92 being rotatable from a retracted position, which is shown in phantom in Fig. 11 of the drawings and which is indicated by the numeral I92, to an extended position, which is shown in solid lines in Fig. 11, wherein it engages the rearward end of the pan strap.

Consideringthe holding means53 in more detail, the fixed-gripping structure 19! comprises a Wall I93 which is located at the forward end of the table I68 and which is provided with a rearwardly directed flange or lip I94. The wall I93 acts as a stop and as a final aligning means for the pan straps 21 as they slide downwardly onto the table ifiii from the unloader conveyor 31 with the dumping structure 51 in its loading position. Thelip I94 on the wall I93 is adapted to hook .over the upper edge of the strap member 28 interconnecting the pans 25 of each pan strap 21, as clearly indicated in Fig. 11 of the drawings. Although the lip I24 is shown as adapted to hook over the upper edge of the strap member 28, if a ribbed or fluted strap member is employed as is customarily the case, the lip [94 may be designed to hook over one of theribs of the strap member.

The rotatable gripping structure I92 includes a horizontal shaft i9! which extends transversely of the unloading apparatus the full length of the dumping structure EI and which is rotatable relative .to the table I00 of the dumping structure. Clamped on the shaft I9! are brackets I98 each of which has pivotally connected thereto at IE9 a gripping element 200. The gripping elements 200 are provided with forwardly directed lips 20! which are adapted tohook over the upper edge of a strap member 28 interconnecting the'pans 25 of a pan strap 21 at the rearwardend-of the pan strap, as clearly indicated in Fig. 11 of the drawings. As is the case with the lips I of the fixed gripping structure I91, the lips 20I of the pivoted'gripping elements 200 may be designed tohook over a rib on the strap member'28 if pan straps 2'I incorporating-fluted or ribbed strap members are employed.

The gripping elements 200 are rotatable into engagement with a line of pan straps 21 on the table I60 as the gripping structure I92 rotates from its retracted position I92 to its extended position, the table I00 being provided with notches 202 therein to permit extension of the gripping elements 200 into engagement with the pan straps. vAs best shown in Fig. 11 of the drawings, thegripping elements 200 are individually urged into engagement with-the pan straps on the table I60 by compression springs 203, each of the latterbeing retained by a bolt 204 which extends through the corresponding gripping element and the bracket H98 on which it is mounted in a manner clearly shown in Fig. 11. The purpose of the springs 203 is to compensate for any irregularities, such as dents, or the like, in the rearward end of the pan straps 21. If a dent in one of the pan straps is present opposite one of the gripping elements 200, its, spring 203 will move such gripping element further forward, 1. e., will rotate such gripping element in the counterclockwise direction as viewed inFig. .11 of the drawings, to insure engagement thereof with the pan strap, which is an important feature of the invention. Similarly, if a bump is present on one of the pan straps opposite one of the gripping elements 280, its spring 203 will permit pivoting of such gripping element in the clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 11 of the drawings, to accommodate the bump. We have found that the springs 203 are preferably designed to permit, for example, approximately a one inch travelof the lips 20I of the gripping elements to accommodate pan strap irregularities of, for example, approximately plus or minus one-half inch. However, the springs 203 may be designed to accommodate greater or lesser ir regularities if desired.

In addition to being individually spring loaded in the foregoing manner, the gripping elements 200 are collectively spring loaded in a manner about to be described. As best shown in Fig. 9 of the drawings and as shown in phantom in Fig. 11 thereof, a pulley 208 is fixed on the shaft Isl carrying the pivoted-gripping elements 200. Trained over the pulley 208 and anchored thereto is .a cable 209 which is trained over an idling pulley 2! 0 and connected to a tension spring 2| I, the latter being anchored by means of .an adjusting rod 2I2 which permits varying the tension in the spring. As will be apparent, the

spring 2II biases the gripping structure I92 toward its closed position, i. e., it biases the gripping structure I52 in the counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. ll of the drawings, into engagement with the pan straps on the table I80. Provision of the spring 2 permits use of our unloading apparatus 2| with pans 25 of different lengths without any necessity for adjustment of any component of the apparatus, which is an important feature of the invention. In other words, a line of pan straps 21 comprising short pans 25 may be followed by a line of pan straps comprising long pans withoutv any necess'ity for adjusting the apparatus, such a diflerposition.

ence in pan lengths being compensated for by the spring 2| I. However, it will be understood that a given line of pan straps cannot contain straps comprising both long and short pans. We have found that the spring 2 may be designed to compensate for variations throughout a range of pan lengths of, for example, eight inches to fifteen inches, although the apparatus may be designed to handle greater or lesser pan length ranges as desired.

It will thus be apparent that the individual springs 203 compensate for variations in length of pans of a given size while the spring 2| I which acts on the gripping elements collectively compensates for variations in pan lengths resulting from the presence of pans of different sizes.

Considering the manner in which the gripping structure I92 is rotated from its opened position to its closed position and vice versa, and referring particularly to Figs. 9 and 10 of the drawings, the shaft I91 of the gripping structure I92 has an arm 2I5 fixed thereon. Rotatablymo-unted on the arm 2 I5 is ac-am follower 2H5 which engages a cam 2| 1 carried by the frame 6| of the unloading apparatus. The cam 2II is adapted to permit the spring 2I I to rotate the gripping structure I92 into its closed position as the dumping structure 5I is rotated from its loading position toward its first dumping position 5|, and is adapted to cause the cam follower 2I6 to rotate the gripping structure I92 from its closed posi tion into its opened position as the dumping structure is rotated from its first dumping position toward its second dumping position 5|". Preferably, the cam 2II permits the spring 2! I to close the gripping structure I92 shortly after the dumping structure 5I begins to rotate from its loading position toward its first dumping position to insure engagement of the gripping elements 200 with the pan straps 2'! on the table I60 before the table reaches a vertical position. Also, the cam 2|! is preferably adapted to open the gripping structure I92 before the table I60 reaches a horizontal position as the dumping structure 5I is rotated from its first dumping position toward its second dumping position so that the empty pan straps on the table may begin to slide therefrom onto the strap conveyor 32 after the table I60 passes through such horizontal position in approaching the second dumping As will be discussed in more detail hereinafter, the electrical control system for the unloading apparatus includes delaying means in circuit with the reversible motor I68 for causing thedumping structure 5| to remain in its second dumping position 5I" fora length of time sufficieiit'to permit all of the empty pan strapsto "slide from the table I60 onto the strap con- Veyor 32.

Thus, as the dumping structure 5| rotates from its loading position toward its first dumping position 5|, the gripping structure I92 is closed to hold the pan straps 21 on the table I30 as the loaves of bread are dumped and, as the dumping structure is rotated from its first dumpingposition toward its second dumping position 5|", the gripping structure I92 is opened to permit the empty pan straps to slide onto the strap conveyor 32.

Impact means for loosening the loaves 26 structure 5| to rest suddenly as it reaches its first dumping position 5| so as to jar the loaves of bread loosefrom the pans 25. Referring to Fig. 5 of the drawings and particularly to Figs. 12 to 14 thereof, the dumping structure 5| includes a tube 220 which is rotatable on the shaft I 6| carrying the dumping structure and to which the table I60 is rigidly connected, the tube 220 normally being locked to the shaft IBI by a clutch 22I. The latter includes an arm 222 which is fixed on the shaft I6I and which has pivotally connected thereto a spring loaded pawl 223. Fixed on the tube 220 so as to be rotatable with the table I 60 of the dumping structure is a member 224 having a notch 225 therein for the pawl 223, the latter normally being held inthe notch by a spring 226. Thus, when the pawl 223. is disposed in the notch 225, the dumping structure 5I is locked to the shaft I6I;so as to, rotate therewith when the shaft is driven bythe reversible motor l-68: in theman ner hereinbefore deescribed. 7 Q Positioned adjacent the clutch MI is a clutch disengaging element 230 which is adapted to engage a projection 2,3I on the pawl 223 to rotate the latter out of the notch 225, thus disengaging the dumping structure 5I from the shaft I 6I The clutch disengaging element 230 is so located that it disengages the clutch 22I before the dumping structure reaches its first dumping position 5I.

Upon disengagement of the clutch 22I' bythe element 230, the previously discussed balancing spring I causes the dumping structure 5Ij't0 accelerate until it strikes a stopg232, the latter serving as a means for decelerating the dumping structure to rest suddenly as the dumping structure reaches its first dumping position so as to jar the leaves of bread loose from the pans 25.. Preferably, the balancing spring I85 is adapted to rotate the dumping structure 5I at. a con,- siderably higher speed than the motor I58 so that a greaterjarring force is applied to the loaves to loosen them than would be. the case if the motor were permitted to rotate the dump?- ing structure against the stop 232,'which'is an important feature of the invention. Preferably, the position of the clutch disen' gaging element 230 is adjustable so as to permit varying the distance from the first dumping position of the point at which the clutch 22I is disengaged to permit the spring I85 to take over. In the particular construction illustrated, this is accomplished by mounting the clutch disengaging element 230 on a bracket 233 which is connected to a portion of the frame it of the loading apparatus by bolts 234, the latter extending through arcuate slots 235 in the frame to permitmove'ment of the bracket 233 about the axis of rotation of the dumping structure. The position of the bracket 233 may be varied by means of a thumb screw 236 threaded through an end of one of the bolts 234.

It will be apparent that by varying the position of the clutch disengaging element 230 in the foregoing manner to vary the distance through which the dumping structure 5| is rotated by the balancing spring I85, the degree of impact attained as the dumping structure strikes the stop 232 may be varied so as to apply any desired jarring force to the loaves of bread to loosen them. Thus, if a large jarring force is desired, the clutch disengaging element 230 may be moved to the right-as viewed in Fig. 12 of the drawings, and if a smaller jarring force is desired, the element 230 may be moved to the left, as viewed therein.

Since, in some instances, it may be desirable to to permit the loaves to that the loaves will occupy applyto the loaves of bread only the jarring force. attainable through rotation of the dumpingestructure into engagement with the'stop 232- by the motor I63, we prefer to make the clutch disengaging element 230 movablerelative to the bracket 2331 into a position such that it will not engage the projection 23! on the pawl 223 to disengage the clutch 22!; For this purpose, the clutch disengagingelement is preferably pivotally connected to the bracket 233 and is provided with anarm 23'! which is engageable by" an eccentric 238 to rotate the element 230 out of position to disengage the clutch 22L The eccentric 238' is preferably mounted on one of the bolts 234 and a handle 23%! for operatingthe eccentric is also mounted on the same bolt. Thus, by moving the handle 239, an operator of the apparatus may prevent disengagement of the clutch 22! so as to prevent rotation of the dumping structure 5! by the balancing spring 185.

The loaf, righting means 54 Referring particularly torFig. 1 of the drawings, the loaf. righting means 54 comprises a cylinder which extends horizontally across the unloading apparatus'and which is located below and forward. of the first. dumping position 5| of the dumping structure 5 I. The loaf righting cylinder 5.4.-is.1ocated.-above and rearwardly of the receiver .52,- the relationship between the positions of the receiver 52, the. loaf righting cylinder and the dumping structure 5! being shown best in Fig. .5. of the drawings.

Again referring particularly to Fig. 1, when the dumping, structure 5! strikes the stop 232 to loosen the loaves of bread from the pans, the loaves are thrown. forwardly somewhat and are inclined upwardly and forwardly, as indicated by the leftmost loaf above the receiver 52. The loaf. righting cylinder 54, intercepts the lower or rearward .end of eachloai as it falls downwardly towardthe receiver 52. and. causes it to rotate about a transverse axis thereof into substantially an upright position in the receiver, the path taken by the loaf being illustrated by the loaves falling into the, receiver in Fig. 1, viewing these loaves from. left to right. Thus, as the loaves fallfrom the pans, they, are automatically righted by the cylinder 54, which is an important feature of the 4 invention.

The receiver 52v loaves-of bread land on one wall 243 ofthe troughshapedreceiver 52 an are held in the receiver by the gate 55, which forms the other wall of the receiver, until such time, as the gate is opened slide onto the cooling conveyor 33.

Loaf straightening means Referring particularly to Figs. 3, 4 and 5 of the drawings, the unloading apparatus includes means for straightening the loaves in the receiver 52 'and for moving them into contact with each other before the gate 55 is opened to permit them to slideonto one of the coolingconveyors 33 so a minimum of space on the conveyor. As best shown in Fig. 3, the loaf straightening means comprises a pair of'bars 244. and 245: which are adapted to engage the end loaves in the receiver 52 and which are movable toward each other to straighten the loaves and move them into contact with each other. The bars 254 and 245 are mounted on arms 246 and 241, respectively, which are pivotally connected to the frame 6| of the unloader at 248 and 249, respectively. A rod 252 is pivotally connected to the arm 245 forwardly of the pivotpoint 248, as indicated by the numeral 251, and is pivotally connected to the arm 241 rearwardly of the pivot point 249, as indicated by the numeral 252, so that movement of the rod 250'toward the left, as viewed. in Fig. 3 of the drawings, causes the arms 246 and 241' to rotate in opposite directions to move the bars 244- and 245 toward each other, thereby straightening and compacting aseries of loaves the receiver 52.

Asbest shown in Fig. 3 of the drawings, the rod 250. is pivotally connected to a lever 256 at 251, the lever being pivotally connected to the frame 51 of the unloader intermediate its ends at 253. It will be. apparentthat rotation of the lever 256 in the clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 3 of the drawings, will move the rod 250 to the left to move the bars 244 and 245 together in the foregoing manner. The lever 255 is controlled by a cam 259 which engages a cam follower 260 on the lever, the cam being adapted to actuate the lever to move the bars 2'24 and 245 together and then apart again as it rotates through one revolution.

The cam 259 is connected to a single revolution clutch 263 which is carried by a shaft 264 mounted on the frame 6| of the unloader. As best shown in Fig. 5 of the drawings, the clutch 263 is adapted to be driven by a chain 265-. which is trained over a; sprocket 266 connected to the clutch and a sprocket 26'! fixed on a jack shaft 81. The jack shaft 81 can be driven in any suitable or conventional manner, but in theembodiment shown it is driven. by an electric motor 68 having a speed, varying pulley 65 mounted on its shaft. The pulley 68 is adapted to receive a V belt, 10 which is trained thereover and over a pulley H, the latter being rotatably mountedon theouter end of onev arm ofa. bell crank 12 which is rotatably mounted on a shaft 73'. The speedvarying pulley 69' is of conventional design and need not be described in detail herein. It will be understood that as the bell crank 121s rotated about its shaft 13 to move. the pulley H to-- ward and away from the speed-varying, pulley 59. the latter varies theratio of the rotational speeds of thepulleys 69and I l.

The pulley H is connected to and drives a pulley 16 which is also rotatablyymountcd on the, outer end of the arm ofthebell crank 12. which carries the pulley H. Aligned. with the pulley 16 is a pulley H which is fixed on, the shaft 13, the pulley H being driven by the pulley l6 through a V belt 18..

The shaft 13 extends: into a gear. box 19 and drives a shaft through suitable gearing (not shown) contained in the gear box. The shaft 80. drives the horizontal jack shaitSl through a chain 82 trained over sprockets 83 and 84 which are fixed on the shafts 80 and 8| respectively.

The various sections of the unloader conveyor 31 are driven from the jackshaft 8| in any suitable or conventional manner.

Considering the drive for the fast rollers 45 and referring particularly to Figs. 4 and 7 of the drawings, the fast rollers are driven by a chain I08 which is trained over a sprocket I09 on the jackshaft 8i and a sprocket M0 on one of the fast rollers, the ratio of the diameters of the sprockets I09 and I I being such as to provide the desired speed for the fast rollers. As is the case with the slow rollers 43, the fast rollers 45 are all geared together so that they are all driven by the sprocket II 0. The clutch 263 is controlled by a solenoid 268 which is adapted to lift a pivoted catch 269 to engage the clutch when the solenoid is energized in a manner to be described in more detail hereinafter. Thus, whenever the solenoid 268 is energized to engage the clutch 263, the latter rotates the cam 259 through a single revolution to move the bars 244 and 245 together to compact a series of loaves in the receiver 52 and to subsequently move the bars apart again into their original positions.

The receiver gate 55 wardly toward the cooling conveyor 33 to permit the loaves of bread in the receiver 52 to slide onto the cooling conveyor. Fixed on one end of the shaft 213 is an arm 214 to which a member 215 is pivotally connected, the member 215 having thereon a cam follower 216 which .engages the cam 212. The member 215 is supported by a brace 211 which is pivotally connected to the member 215 at the point of connection of the cam follower 216 thereto, and which is pivotally connected to the frame SI of the unloading apparatus at 218.

When the single revolution clutch 263 is disengaged, the cam 212 occupies the position shown in Fig. of the drawings and acts through the member 215, the arm 214 and the shaft 213 to hold the receiver gate 55 in its closed position. When the solenoid Z68 controlling the single revolution clutch 263 is energized to permit engagement of the clutch, the latter rotates the cam 212 in the counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 5 of the drawings, to permit the gate 55 to rotate into its open position under the infiuence of gravity. As the clutch 263 completes its single revolution, the cam 212 returns the gate 55 to its closed position.

Thus, the solenoid 268 controls the operation of the loaf straightening means and the receiver gate 55. The manner in which the solenoid 268 is energized to operate the loaf straightening means and open the receiver gate at the proper moments in the operating cycle of the'unloading apparatus will be considered in more detail hereinafter in connection with the discussion of the electric control system for the apparatus.

The cooling conveyor 33 As best shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings, the

, cooling conveyor 33 is merely an endless conveyor which moves transversely of the unloading apparatus and which may be driven in any suitable manner not specifically shown in the drawings. The conveyor 33 is located beneath and forwardly of the receiver 52 in a position to receive the loaves of bread in the receiver 52 when the gate 55 of the latter is opened to permit the loaves of known in the art.

14 The pan strap conveyor 32 As best shown in Figs. 1 and 5 of the drawings, the pan strap conveyor 32 extends horizontally across the unloading apparatus 2I in a position to receive the empty pan straps as they slide from the table I60 of the dumping structure 5| as the latter rotates into its second dumping position 5|. When the dumping structure 5| is in its second dumping position, the table I60 registers with an inclined plate 293 over which the empty pan straps may slide from the table onto the conveyor 32.

The pan strap conveyor is of the endless type and is driven from the jack shaft 8| as best shown in Figs. 4 and 6 of the drawings. Fixed on the jack shaft BI is a sprocket 294 which is aligned with a sprocket 295 fixed on a shaft leading into a gear box 296, the sprockets 294 and 295 being connected by a chain 291 trained thereover. The conveyor 32 is driven from the gear box 295 by a shaft 298, as best shown in Fig. 4 of the drawings.

The conveyor 32 may move the empty pan straps to a suitable point of storage, or may connect with another conveyor (not shown) for returning the straps to the inlet end of the oven for refilling with bread dough.

Prior to initiating operation of the unloading apparatus 2!, the various components of the electrical control system occupy the respective positions shown in Figs. 16 and 17 of the drawings. In order to initiate operation of the apparatus, it is merely necessary to close the line switch LS and then momentarily close the starting switch 3I5. This establishes a closed circuit through the master relay 304 to energize the latter, whereupon it closes the switches 304a. to 304d. The switch 304a controlled by the relay 304 is connected in parallel with the starting switch 3I5 therewith so that the relay 304 holds when the starting switch is opened. Thus, the starting switch need be closed only momentarily. The switch 30% is connected in series with the motor 68 for driving the unloader conveyor 31 and its appurtenances including the shaft 264 which drives the loaf compacting means and the cam 212 which permits the gate 55 to open. Thus, closure of the switch 30412 by the relay 304 starts the unloader conveyor 31. The switch 304d is connected in series with the oven drive motor (not shown) so that when this switch is closed by the relay 304, the oven conveyor (not shown) is started. Closure of the switch 3940 by the relay 304 prepares the dumping motor I68 for energization since the switch 3040 is connected in series therewith, and the switch 306a of the time-delay relay 305 will subsequently close'to render the starting of motor I60 subject to closure of switch 30Ib. Thus, when the operator closes the starting switch 3I5 to energize the relay 304, the latter holds, starts the oven conveyor and the unloader conveyor 31 and prepares the dumping motor I 68 for subsequent energization.

The line of pan straps 21 is moved toward the gate 50 at the outlet end of the unloader conveyor 31 by the fast rollers 45 and is intercepted by this gate. When a predetermined number of the pan straps in the line engage the gate 50, the force applied to the gate causes the latter to close the switch I53 and energize the solenoid I50 through the now closed switches 30Ic and I13. When the solenoid I59 is energized in this manner, it engages the single revolution clutch- I45 so that the latter drives the cam I45 through one revolution to open and subsequently close the gate 5.0, the line of pan straps intercepted by the gate moving onto the dumping structure in the interim.

The solenoid 268 is energized concurrently with solenoid I50 to engage the single revolution clutch 263. The latter then drives the cam 259 through one revolution to cause the bars 24 i and 245 to straighten and compact a previously dumped series of loaves in the receiver 52. Simultaneously, the clutch 283 drives the cam 212 through a single revolution to open and subsequently close the gate 55 of the receiver 52, the leaves of bread sliding from the receiver onto the conveyer 33. The two cams 259 and 2T2 are so designed and so arranged with respect to each other that the straightening bars .244 and .2 35 disengage the loaves of bread in the receiver 52 before the gate 5.5 opens to permit the loaves to slide onto the conveyer 33.

Reverting to the single revolution clutch I 16 controlling the pan strap gate 50, as this clutch completes its single revolution and closes the gate 50 after the line of pan straps 2'1 has moved onto the dumping structure 5|, the arm I55 acts to momentarily close the switch (5?. The switch I5! is connected in series with the relay 30L Thus, closure of the switch I57 results in energization of the relay 30!. The switch 3cm controlled by the relay 301 is connected in series therewith and is also connected in series with the normally closed switch 113. Consequently, the switch 3cm serves to hold the relay 3! once it is energized by momentary closure of the switch I 51 in the foregoing manner. The relay Sill controls the dumping cycle of the unloading apparatus, i. e., it controls the operation of the dumping structure 5!, in a manner about to be described.

When the relay 36! is energized in the ioreit opens the switch silic controlled thereby so as to prevent re-energization of the solenoid 15G controlling the pan strap gate 58, it being appreciated that the switch I53 previously opened during operation of the gate 59. This prevents opening of the gate to to admit another line of pan straps to the dumping station 38 while a preceding line of pan straps is being dumped, which is an important feature. When energized, the relay 3t! also closes the switch Sib which is connected in series with the dumping motor ass through the switch 3860, the latter being held closed by the relay 3% as previously discussed. Under the conditions prevailing at this point in the operating cycle of the apparatus, the reversing switch 212 controlling the direction of rotation of the dumping motor 58 is in a position to connect the contacts I121) together and the contacts 112a together. Consequently, when the switch 36 lb closes, the dumping motor I68 will rotate the dumping structure 5i from its loading position to its first dumping position 5!. When the dumping structure 5! reaches its first dumping position, the loaves of bread are dumped from the pans 25 into the receiver 52 in the manner previously described.

As the dumping structure 5| reaches its first dumping position 5!, the cam I'll actuates the reversing switch H2 to connect the contacts llta with their respective contacts H212, thereby reversing the direction of rotation of the dumping motor H58. The latter then reverses the direction of rotation of the dumping structure 5! and moves it .from its first dumping position through its loading position to its second dumping posigoing manner,

1-6 tion 5.1"". When the dumping structure 5] reaches its second dumping position, the cam ill again actuates the reversing switch I12 to reconnect the contacts I121) together and contacts 112a together preparatory to rotating the dumping structure from its second dumping position back to its loading position. When the contacts of the reversing switch H2 are reconnected in this manner, it will be noted'that a circuit through the delaying relay tilt was broken and reestablished. After the lapse of a predetermined time interval sufiicient to permit the empty pan straps to slide from the dumping structure 5! onto the strap conveyor 32, the delaying relay 306 closes the switch 396a controlled thereby to energize the dumping motor N58 for forward rotation so that it returns the dumping structure from its second dumping position to its loading position. The provision of such a time delay is an important feature of our invention since it insures movement of the empty pan straps from the dumping structure onto the strap conveyor 32 before rotation of the dumping structure back toward its loading position is initiated.

It should be pointed out that, prior to the initiation of the dumping cycle, the reversing switch I72 was in a position to connect the contacts ilza together and the contacts I121) together so that the delaying relay 388 was already energized when the switch 3811) was closed to initiate forward rotation of the dumping motor 158. Consequently, the relay 3% interposed no time delay at the beginning of the dumping cycle.

As the dumping structure 5| arrives back at its loading position, the cam ill acts through the cruciform member H8 to open the limit switch H3 momentarily. The switch H3, as previously mentioned, is connected in series with the switch 361a holding the relay Sill energized so that this relay is (is-energized when the dumping structure is returned to its loading position. Deenergization of the relay 3M results in opening of the switch 30)- connected in series with the dumping motor N58 to stop the dumping motor. Also, when the relay 30! is ole-energized, the switch 301a controlled thereby opens to prevent re-energizatlon of the relay 30! upon reclosing of the limit switch H3. Thus, the limit switch I13 serves to stop the dumping motor 168 at the end of the dumping cycle. The switch 3I6 is connected in series with the master relay 3M and may be opened manually to stop the operation of the unloading apparatus and the oven with which it is associated. Thus, if an emergency necessitating a shut down of the oven and the unloader arises, it is merely necessary to open the switch SIG momentarily.

We claim as our invention:

1. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of: a dumping structure pivotable between a loading position and a dumping position; means on said dumping structure for holding a container to be dumped; means including a normally engaged clutch for rotating said dumping structure toward said dumping position; resilient means biasing said dumping structure toward said dumping position; stop means disposed in the path of said dumping structure for terminating rotation of said dump ing structure as it reaches said dumping position; and means for disengaging said clutch as said dumping structure approaches said dump- .ing position, whereby said resilient means causes said dumping structure to strike said stop means I7 .so as to loosen the contents of the container being dumped.

2. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 including means for shifting said clutch disengaging means relative to said stop means.

3. In an apparatus of the character described for dumping the contents of a container, the combination of: a frame; a table adapted to receive a container to be dumped, said table being carried by said frame and being pivotable relative thereto about a substantially horizontal axis; means for rotating said table from a loading position wherein it is inclined upwardly away from said axis of rotation to a first dumping position wherein it is also inclined upwardly away from said axis of rotation, and for subsequently rotating said table from said first dumping position through said loading position to a second dumping position wherein it is inclined downwardly away from said axis of rotation; holding means carried by said table and including an element which is movable from a retracted position to an extended position into engagement with a container on said table; means for moving 'said element from its retracted position to its extended position as said table is rotated from said loading position toward said first dumping position; and means for moving said element from said extended position to said retracted position as said table is rotated toward said second dumping position.

4. An apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein said means for moving said element from its retracted position to its extended position and said means for moving said element from its extended position to its retracted position comprise cooperating cam elements carried by said table and said frame.

5. In an apparatus for dumping the contents of a container, the combination of: a frame; a table carried by said frame and adapted to receive a container to be dumped, said table being pivotable relative to said frame about a substantially horizontal axis; means for first rotating said table from a loading position wherein it is inclined upwardly from said axis of rotation to a first dumping position wherein it is also inclined upwardly from said axis of rotation, for subsequently rotating said table from said first dumping position through said loading position to a second dumping position wherein it is inclined downwardly away from said axis of rotation, and for thereafter rotating said table from said second dumping position back to said 1oading position; energizable, container-holding means carried by said table operable to engage or release said container; means for engaging said holding means as said table is rotated toward said first dumping position; means for releasing said holding means from said container as said table is rotated toward said second dumping position; and delaying means for interrupting the operation of said table rotating means for a predetermined interval when said table is in said second dumping position to allow time for a container on said table to slide therefrom.

6'. In an apparatus for dumping the contents of a container, the combination of: a movable dumping structure adapted to receive a container the content of which is to be dumped therefrom; means carried by said dumping structure for holding a container to be dumped, said holding means including a plurality of gripping elements which are collectively movable relative to said dumping structure into a collective extended position and which are individually movable relative to said dumping structure and relative to each other into individual extended positions, said ripping elements, when extended, being adapted to engage a container on said dumping structure; resilient means for collectively biasing said gripping elements toward said collective extended position; means for individually biasing said gripping elements toward their respective individual extended positions; and means for rotating said dumping structure to a position to dump the content of a container thereon.

7. In an apparatus for dumping the contents of a container, the combination of: a frame; a dumping structure carried by and pivotable relative to said frame and adapted to receive a container Whose contents are to be dumped therefrom; a first gripping structure carried by said dumping structure and adapted to engage one side of the container to be dumped; a second gripping structure carried by said dumping structure and adapted to engage the opposite side of the container to be dumped, said second gripping structure including a plurality of pivoted gripping elements and being rotatable relative to said dumping structure into a closed position wherein said gripping elements are adapted to engage said opposite side of the container; resilient means for biasing said second gripping structure toward said closed position; resilient means operatvely connected to each of said gripping elements for individually urging said elements into engagement with said opposite side of the container to be dumped; and means for rotating said dumping structure into a position to, dump the contents of the container held by said gripping structures.

8. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of; means for simultaneously dumping a plurality of loaves of bread from pans in which the loaves have been baked, said dumping means being adapted to receive the pans in side-by-side relationship so that the loaves of bread fall from the pans in side-by-side relationship when dumped therefrom by said dumping means; a receiver located adjacent and below said dumping means and adapted to receive the loaves of bread dumped from'the pans by said dumping means in side-by-side relationship; compacting means having arms at opposite ends of the receiver movable relative to each other and against loaves of bread in said receiver to push said loaves into contact with each other; and means for actuating the arms of said compacting means.

9. An apparatus as set forth in claim 8 wherein said receiver for the loaves of bread is provided with a normally closed gate, said gate being movable to an open position by said means for actuating said compacting means.

10. In an apparatus of the character described for dumping the contents of a container, the combination of a table pivotable about a horizontal axis having a container supporting member provided with an opening therein; means for rotating said table between a loading position and a dumping position; holding means carried by the table engageable with a container on the supporting member of said table, said holding means including a gripping element, and a pivotal mounting for said element disposed below said supporting member, said gripping element being movable from a retracted position below said supporting member upwardly through the opening therein to a position above said supporting member for engagement with a container disposed thereon; re-

19 v silient means coactive with said holding means urging the gripping element to the latter position for engagement with a container; a lever pivotally coactive with said gripping element; and cam means positioned to engage the lever when the table is rotated to the dumping position and operative to rock said gripping element to a retracted position below the supporting member of said table against the action of said resilient means.

11. In an apparatus of the character described, the combination of a dumping structure pivotable between a loading position and a dumping position; means on said dumping structure for holding a container to be dumped; means including a normally engaged clutch for rotating said dumping structure toward said dumping position; resilient means biasing said dumping structure toward said dumping position; stop means disposed in the path of said dumping structure for terminating rotation of said dumping structure as it reaches said dumping position; an element movable between two positions, in one of said two positions said element being disposed to engage said clutch as said dumping structure approaches its dumping position and operative by such engagement to disengage the clutch whereby said resilient means causes said dumping structure to strike said stop means so as to loosen the contents of the container being dumped, in the other of said two positions said element being disposed out of the path of travel of said clutch so as to render said resilient means inoperative for the purpose described; and means for moving said element between said two positions.

12. In an apparatus of the character described, a receiver; a dumping structure adapted to deliver loaves of bread in side-by-side relationship to said receiver; compacting means having arms at opposite ends of the receiver movable relative to each other and against loaves of bread in the receiver to compact said loaves of bread in said receiver; means including a single revolution clutch for actuating the arms of said compacting means; and means operable in timed relation with said dumping structure for engaging said clutch.

13. In an apparatus of the character described, a receiver; a dumping structure adapted to deliver loaves of bread in side-by -side relationship to the receiver; a conveyer positioned to receive loaves of bread from said receiver; compacting means having arms at opposite ends of the receiver movable relative to each other and against loaves of bread in the receiver to compact said loaves of bread; a gate on the receiver normally closed to hold said loaves of bread thereon for engagement by said compacting means and movable to an open position for releasing said loaves of bread so as to permit delivery thereof to said conveyer; and means for actuating said compacting means and said gate in timed relation whereby the loaves of bread are compacted in the receiver and the gate is thereafter opened to deliver the same to said conveyer.

14. In an apparatus of the character described, a receiver; a dumping structure adapted to deliver loaves of bread in side-by-side relationship to said receiver; a conveyer arranged to receive loaves of bread from the receiver; compacting means engageable with loaves of bread in the receiver and operable to compact the same therein; a pivoted gate on the receiver normally positioning the loaves of bread for'engagement' by said compacting means and holding said loaves of bread on the receiver; actuator means for said compacting means; a separate actuator means for moving said gate between open and closed positions; and a single drive mechanism for both of said actuator means operable by said dumpin structure for actuating said compacting means and said gate in mutually timed relation once for each operation of said dumping structure.

15. Apparatus for dumping the contents of multiple strapped bread pans and the like delivered by one conveyer onto a second conveyer and for thereafter delivering the empty pans to a third conveyer comprising dumping means positioned to receive multiple strapped pans containing loaves of bread from said first conveyer and operable to first dump the loaves of bread from the pans and thereafter to deliver the empty pans to said third conveyer, means associated with said dumping means for releasably holding said pans during said dumping operation and operable to release said pans before delivery thereof to said third conveyer, a receiver positioned to receive the loaves of bread dumped from the pans, means associated with the receiver for arresting movement of the loaves and positioning the loaves in a predetermined relative position thereon, and means operable to cause discharge of the positioned loaves of bread simultaneously on said second conveyer.

16. Apparatus for receiving multiple strapped bread pans containing loaves of bread from one conveyer, dumping the loaves of bread from the pans for delivery to a second conveyer and then delivering the empty pans to a third conveyer comprising a pivotable dumping means normally positioned to receive multiple strapped pans containing loaves of bread from said first conveyer, drive means connected to said dumping means for rotating the same first in one direction to dump the loaves of bread from the pans and for thereafter rotating said dumping means in a reverse direction from said dumping position through the normal loading position to a second dumping position preparatory to delivery of the empty pans to said third conveyer, means associated with said dumping means for releasably holding the pans'on the dumping means during dumping of the loaves from said pans, means for disengaging said holding means from said pans during reverse rotation of said dumping means and before the latter reaches said second dumping position, a receiver for receiving the dumped loaves of bread, means associated with the receiver for arresting movement of the loaves and positioning the loaves in a, predetermined relative position thereon, and means operable thereafter to cause discharge of the positioned loaves simultaneously on said second conveyer.

17. Apparatus for dumping the contents of multiple strapped bread pans and the like on a moving conveyer comprising dumping means for holding multiple strapped pans and dumping the contents thereof, a receiver for receiving the dumped articles, a pivoted gate on the receiver normally retaining the articles on the receiver and movable to release said articles and thus cause discharge thereof onto a moving conveyer, compacting means having spaced arms extending into the receiver and movable relative to each other and against articles in the receiver to compact the same, and actuator means connected to said dumping structure and said compacting means and said gate for operating the same successively in timed relation.

18. In combination a conveyer for delivering 

